Biodegradation of Liquid Gun Propellant Formulation 1846

摘要

Liquid Gun Propellant Formulation 1846 (LGP) is a clear, colorless, odorlessliquid It is a molten Salt composed of hydroxlammonium nitrate (HAN, 60.79%, 9.09 molar), triethanolammonium nitrate (TEAN, 19.19%, 1.3 molar), and water (20.02%, 15.93 molar). It is completely miscible with water and the two salts dissociate to yield nitrate and hydroxylammonium and triethanolmnmonium ions. Although it does not burn unless pressurized, the decomposition progresses to a very energetic reaction when it is ignited at elevated pressure in a confined space (as in the breech of a gun). The properties of LGP, including safety, cost, and performance, have led to its selection by the Army as the propellant for a new 155 mm howitzer. In support of the ongoing development program for this new weapon system, the U.S. Army Environmental Center (USAEC) conducted an evaluation of the biodegradability of LGP. This research and development effort was conducted in support of the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) which is completing a life cycle assessment for the LGP Program. The laboratory studies reported in this document were completed by rr Corporation for the U.S. Army Environmental Center (USAEC) under Contract No. DACA31-91-0047, Task Order No.2.